Since I began the Brugnetti Simona Project, I am new to machines with 3-way solenoid valves. Today I installed a new group gasket and began backflushing. After a couple of seconds of running the pump, with a blind filter basket in the pf, water and suds began leaking (and spewing) out of the pf and group.

Is that normal during a backflush?

How long should I run the pump before turning it off during a backflush? I have heard 1 sec, 2 sec, ... even 15 seconds.

I really don't have any experiences to compare this with since this is the first time I have performed a backflush.

The good news is that the 3-way is working. When I do turn off the pump, suds and water empty into the drip tray. First they were brown and nasty... now they are white and clean.

I have read this useful page: http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Cof...owToBackflush.html It just didn't say anything about water spewing.


Is it possible that I may need a "group spacer" (see part #700200 http://www.coffeeparts.com/aurora/brugnetti1.html)

jamhat wrote:After a couple of seconds of running the pump, with a blind filter basket in the pf, water and suds began leaking (and spewing) out of the pf and group. Is that normal during a backflush?

Is this a trick question? Leaking and spewing aren't "normal" under any circumstances. It sounds like your blind basket isn't sealing properly.

No... Not a trick question. It may be a dumb one, though! I'm simply used to the way of the Gaggia Factory. I've just never backflushed before because I never needed to.

After I finished backflushing the Simona Top and tried pulling a regular shot, I realized there is definitely a problem... brugnetti-simona-project-t7388.html#p87203 Either the gasket is not seated properly or something else is the matter.

Case closed. I just needed to crank the pf a little more to the right. Man, I feel like a weenie!